Five NRL clubs chasing Benji Marshall

Benji Marshall is likely to take more than a week to consider interest from at least five NRL clubs after arriving in Sydney on Thursday.

Marshall, who was formally released from the remainder of a two-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Auckland Blues on Wednesday, told reporters at the airport that he was back in Sydney to "sort out the next chapter of my career".

Melbourne and Cronulla remain the favourites to sign the former Wests Tigers star but St George Illawarra, Parramatta and North Queensland are also believed to be interested in talking to him.

The Dragons have used three halfbacks in the opening seven rounds of this year's competition, and at the Eels, Chris Sandow began the season on the outer before winning back the No.7 jersey from Luke Kelly after three matches in the NSW Cup.

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It is believed the Cowboys view Marshall as a fullback option after losing Lachlan Coote in the Auckland Nines with a season-ending knee injury.

The Sharks provide the easiest transition for Marshall as five of his former teammates are now at the club, as well as former Wests chief executive Steve Noyce.

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However, the Storm are appealing from a pure football point of view – the chance to play alongside Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater in the Craig Bellamy-coached team is attractive.

"Watching all the games from the start of the season, I am commentating them as I watch them so I still feel like I have got a good footy brain for the NRL and I can probably bring experience," Marshall said.

Benji Marshall has five NRL clubs interested in his services. Photo: Getty Images

"I think I left a little bit lazy and a little bit out of shape, and I had probably lost that desire. I think I have found that now, which is probably the most important part and I feel like I am ready to go again."

The Tigers are seeking a "commercial settlement" from whichever club Marshall signs for after he agreed to have a clause inserted into the terms of his release deed last year. The clause stated that he would not play against the club until 2016. However, the NRL will not allow any obstacle to be placed in the way of his return.

NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle said that while the integrity of the salary cap was important, any proposal from clubs to to accommodate Marshall would be considered. It is understood he has made it clear privately that everything will be done to ensure Marshall's return is a smooth one.

Bellamy has played down the Storm's chances of signing Marshall, saying he believed the 29-year-old former Kiwis captain would prefer to live in Sydney, it is learnt Melbourne are working hard behind the scenes to prepare an offer and may even be the frontrunners for his services.

"I think in the couple of interviews I've seen, Sydney seems to be the common theme," Bellamy said before the Storm's Anzac Day clash with the Warriors at AAMI Stadium. "That is where his roots lay and probably where he will end up.

"Whichever club gets him, he will be very handy for them. He will be hungry to come back and play the way we know he can play.

"As far as I know, the club hasn't spoken to Benji. I'm sure he has got some hunger back now. He has probably seen the other side and decided he still has a few more years left playing this game, so he may as well make the best of it."